Enyimba Fly Out Today For Smouah Clash

Enyimba manager, Khadiri Ikhana says his team will fight with the last drop of their blood when they confront Smouah of Egypt in Sunday’s CAF Champions League first round return leg match in Alexandria.

The Nigerian side, winners of the trophy in 2003 and 2004 will go into the clash with an unconvincing 1-0 first leg advantage.

Ikhana who was in the saddle when the People’s Elephant won the cup in 2003 at the expense of Egyptian side, Ismaily, underlines the importance of the to Enyimba and Nigeria in general.

“We know the quality of Enyimba as a team. We also know the importance qualifying for the next stage for both the club and country.

“We don’t need to be reminded about so we are going to Egypt for a tough game but with victory at the back of our mind.”

Ikhana has had managerial spells at Kano Pillars, Sharks and Kwara United amongst other top Nigeria clubs.

Amidst speculations the gaffer might alter his game plan in Egypt to make room for a more balance and cohesion at the back line so as probably get their hosts on the break, Ikhana said that was no positive assumption.

“No, we’re not going to adopt a specific game plan or approach.

“We’re not going to be more defense conscious. We are going to maintain our identity which is to approach the game the normal way we play.

“Our tradition has always been to give each game our positive best and that won’t change when we get to Egypt.

“Like I said, the match is important for us as a club and as a nation so we will approach it as if our lives depend on it”, Ikhana told Complete Sports on Thursday.